Never underestimate the peace that accompanies a crowded kitchen table. The overflowing table sat in a room that was designed for four people. And yet, thirteen of my new friends sat shoulder to shoulder and waited for me to join them. I remember so much about that room: the arrangement of cider bottles on the damaged wooden table, the candles, the birthday cards, the soft pretzels, and the homemade strudel. Most of all, I remember the words that came out of my mouth when I saw the scene before me: “This is not real. This is absolutely crazy.” None of my “friends” at the table knew about each other’s stories, but we all knew the solitude of studying in a foreign country. That night, we may not have broken into life-long relationships, but we broke bread. The food on that crowded, Austrian table was an afterthought; we were there for the communion. It is not revolutionary that Jesus ate with His disciples. Anyone can host a dinner party. Rather, it is revolutionary that He spent his life dining with those who were refused love—the marginalized, the tax-collectors, the lepers, the prostitutes. Jesus’ invitation to dine was extended to so many that there was no room to sit at his table. Togetherness was the true feast. It is all too easy to grow comfortable in a limited guest list. Friends, family, a few coworkers and that’s it. But you and I are called to invest in a bigger table. We are invited to extend togetherness, even when it may be considered “crazy.” God’s call for our hospitality looks different in this time of quarantine, but the call did not vanish entirely. It merely manifests in new ways. Instead of a family dinner, perhaps communion is a socially distant picnic with a struggling neighbor. Instead of a romantic meal, maybe a call with an elderly relative builds belonging. Who are the forgotten dinner guests in our lives? How can we invite them to dine? Sister, I pray that our tables (or screens!) host friends and strangers alike and that community is the main course. May they mirror the splendor of the banquet God has prepared for us in Heaven. [bctt tweet="Togetherness was the true feast. // Abby Fafinski" username="blessedisshe__"] listen to today’s devotion Need help hosting a remote small group or get together? We have instructions right here!

I am chronically indecisive. From being unable to select a restaurant to spending thirty minutes selecting a planner at the store, what I desire is not always clear to me. I probably say, “You choose, I’m good with anything!” at least once a day. A few years ago, I teetered with the daunting task of choosing which college to attend. For my hesitant little heart, it was the perfect storm. I visited campuses all over the country, witnessed endless numbers of students studying on green quads, and partook in my fair share of school tours. On every tour I attended, the student guide always exclaimed, “From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew this was the school for me.” My decision was not as simple as that. I felt riddled with doubt and uncertainty. I asked myself, Was the other school a better fit? Is it wrong that I didn’t feel an immediate “pull” to this campus? I weighed my options back and forth until I committed to a college at the very end of the deadline. I am overjoyed to say that my hesitation didn’t get the best of me; my sweet, sunny university and all of the friendships and growth I have experienced are, simply put, blessings. Sister, if you are anything like me, you may not experience an intense pull between everyday decisions like drinking an iced coffee or a hot latte. Between wearing a skirt or jeans. Or even between choosing what college to attend, what career move to make, or who to date. What a joy, then, it is to know we all have a deep, inner longing for God! “O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts” (Psalm 63:2). Our souls are fashioned for Heaven. Our hearts uniquely yearn for sainthood. The deep desire we possess for God should encourage us to set aside the struggle of indecision, to be bold in our witness and unquestionable in our pursuit of Him. But let us rest in peace, knowing full well that the answer to our deepest thirst rests in God alone. listen to today’s devotion [bctt tweet="Our deepest thirst rests in God alone. // Abby Fafinksi" username="blessedisshe__"] Read more advice for college freshmen & transfers.